(NewsUSA) - When taking a
family camping trip or cross-country journey, RVs can
provide many of the creature comforts of home. Beds, bathrooms,
televisions and even kitchen appliances often come installed in these
large, versatile vehicles.
But there's one thing that campers and other RVs may not provide in
ready supply: maneuverability. Therefore, many families find it useful
to tow a car or sport utility vehicle from the back of their RV in
order to ensure greater transportation flexibility.
"Dinghy" towing, the act of towing a vehicle with all four of its
wheels on the ground, is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to
do the job.
However, though some auto manufacturers such as Isuzu (www.isuzu.com)
make four-wheel towing possible for all of their four-wheel-drive
vehicles, with no speed or mileage restrictions, dinghy towing may
actually damage the drivetrain of other manufacturers' models. For
instance, no 2007 Toyota pickup truck or SUV can be dinghy towed and
the same goes for all 2007 SUVs by Land Rover, Lexus and Acura.
Video: Learn what you should NEVER do while towing a vehicle behind your motorhome.
* Be sure to check that your dinghy vehicle - the one that's being
towed - is approved by its manufacturer for four-wheel towing. This
information can often be found online or in your car's instruction
manual.
* Before setting out on the road, check your RV and dinghy for
proper functioning brake lights, turn signals and taillights. Check the
lights again when you stop or take a break from driving.
* Observe the speed limits and towing laws of each state that you
traverse. For instance, California requires that when towing another
vehicle you drive in the right-hand lane or one specially marked for
slower vehicles. Certain states may also require a shorter two-vehicle
length than others.
* Maintain a safe stopping distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Because you're hauling more weight, it may be more difficult to
stop quickly. MotorHome Towing Guide suggests a stopping distance of at
least five seconds.
* Avoid tight turns, as they place high levels of pressure on the tow bars and may damage your hitch.
Learn more about towing behind your motorhome at the Dinghy Towing blog at RVtravel.com. If you tow a dinghy behind your RV or plan to, you will learn a lot at this informative web resource.